Introduction
OddBytes offers three different matching options - Exact Match, Broad Match and Wide Match. Either of the three can be set on a Creative level to determine how to match the Keywords you are bidding on during an auction.
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Matching Types
Exact Match
This is a Creative's default matching option, and is the most restrictive. When participating in an auction, the system will only match to exactly how the Keyword is entered into the system. Any difference between the word(s) within the auction versus the targeted Keyword will result in a no match.
Example - Keyword targeted is "buy":
Keyword in Auction | Match |
buy | Yes |
buys | Yes |
buying | Yes |
buy shoe | Yes |
buy.com | Yes |
buying.com | Yes |
shop.com/buy | Yes |
If the Keyword entered is "buys", the only Keyword in auction it would match to from the above list is "buys".
Example - Keyword targeted is "buy shoe"
Keyword in Auction | Match |
buy shoe | Yes |
buy shoes | Yes |
red shoe | No |
shoes buy | No |
buyshoe.com | No |
buyshoes.com | No |
buy.com/shoe | No |
If the Keyword entered is "buy shoes", the only Keywords in auction it would match to from the above list are "buy shoes" and "buyshoes.com"
Broad Match
This option is the second most restrictive option, and applies to Keywords with 2+ words (must have spaces) found within the auction. Using Broad Match will allow you to match on the exact Keyword phrase entered as well as phrases which include the exact words but in a different sequence. The words must all be within the same sentence, but do not have to be next to each other.
Example - Keyword entered is "blue shoe"
Keyword in Auction | Match |
blue shoe | Yes |
shoe blue | Yes |
blue shoes | No |
buy the shoe in blue | Yes |
buy the shoes in blue | No |
blueshoe.com | No |
blueshoes.com | No |
shoe.com/blue | Yes |
shoes.com/blue | No |
If the Keyword entered is "blue shoes", the only Keywords in auction it would match to from the above list are "blue shoes" and "shoes.com/blue".
Wide Match
This option is the least restrictive. Wide Match includes Exact Match and Broad Match, but also allows entered Keywords or Keyword phrases to be matched with singular and plural variations.
Please note:
Wide Match is not available for the Textlink ad unit.
Wide Match does not apply to domains being used as Keywords or Keywords with special characters. Only words and phrases can utilize this option.
Example - Keyword entered is "buy"
Keyword in Auction | Match |
buy | Yes |
buys | Yes |
buying | No |
buy.com | Yes |
buys.com | Yes |
Example - Keyword entered is "buy shoes"
Keyword in Auction | Match |
buy shoes | Yes |
buy shoe | Yes |
shoes buy | Yes |
buy the shoe in blue | Yes |
buying shoes | No |
buyshoes.com | No |
buyshoe.com | No |
If the Keywords entered are "blue+shoes", "buyshoes.com" or "buyshoes.com/blue", it is not eligible for Wide Match due to containing special characters.
How to Set Matching Options
Manual:
While logged into your account, navigate to the Manage Creatives Tab under Campaigns on the left side navigation.
Click on the pencil icon next to the Creative which you want to change the matching option.
Click the dropdown next to 'Matching Options'.
Select the desired option.
Click 'Save and Close'.
Bulk:
While logged into your account, navigate to the Manage Creatives Tab under Campaigns on the left side navigation.
Select the Creative(s) requiring an update.
Click the ‘Edit’ drop down.
Click 'Change Matching Options'.
Select the desired matching option.
Click 'Preview'.
If the correct changes are shown in the Preview, click 'Save'.